The document provided for the free movement of capital and industrial products, regulated competition conditions, major issues in social policy, agriculture, and transport, etc. to ensure the development of closer linkages between the EU and the Central and Eastern European countries (e.g. Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, etc.). Shortly after that a concept of "candidate states- for these countries emerged. .
The Agenda 2000 was an even more ambitious document, describing the strategy for the Union's expansion in the East. In accordance with the strategy, the EU began a new era of accession with Hungary, Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia, as the closest to satisfying the membership eligibility criteria and assisted Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovakia to meet these requirements. The strategy was also viewed as a call for a conference of all the European states desiring the EU membership, which enabled a dialogue on numerous issues ranging from Common Foreign and Security Policy to Justice and Home Affairs. The Partnership and Cooperation Agreements, signed by the EU with many other countries, including the former Soviet republics, was a logical outcome of the EU's expansion strategy, aimed at strengthening collaboration and reinforcing the existing ties to develop strong multilateral interregional relationships (see below for details). .
A wide scope of activities ranging from agriculture to employment and social affairs are governed by the EU institutions. The European Commission is a main executive body, which also has the right to propose policies and legislation. The 20 Commissioners are appointed by a common agreement among the member states and approved by the European Parliament. The European Parliament, composed of 626 members, plays a limited legislative role. The Parliament debates political and economic issues, approves the EU budget and questions the European Commission and the Council of Ministers.